Context:

What is man believing/doing?:

Rome dividing throne into three seats, one seat of more concern then another.

Family returning from Egypt expecting one location, directed to Nazareth Galilee instead

What is making man to believe/do as he is doing?:

Rome's perception of what best stabilizes this frontier territory.

Joseph - word of God in a dream (completing previous obligation to wait for further word)

reputation of Herod's son Archelaus

Man's patience:

Rome's patience with the family Herod

Joseph's patience with what is being developed

Jesus keeping of commandment:

Jesus keeping of faith:

Jesus' patience:

Notes:

Key Messages:

What does this say about our present condition?

Expectation is frequently that God goes ahead of us and eliminates obstacles, smoothing/leveling our course. Resistance is often seen as a sign of God leading us some other direction or us going wrong way. Obstacles removed do not mean obstacles don't return three fold.

Consent is a pathway that leads to further consents. This is true not only referring to righteous matters but also wicked or passive.